What It Looks Like...
I choose this desk arrangement by The Classroom Key because it allows students to be in groups but yet see the front of the classroom from all angles. I would also have flexible seating options as I think it is best that students have the option to learn where they are most comfortable. Yoga balls, pillows/inner tubes, and standing tables are just a few examples of the flexible seating I would include in my classroom (see pictured below).
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How it's graded...
For summative assessments, I will grade using a rubric. The rubric will check for mastery of standards (standards-based grading). These assessments will be scaffolded so students will likely complete mastery by the final grading block. For formative assessments, I would like to see that students put in effort and are participating. I do not believe in extra credit, however, I would potentially consider students redoing an assignment or a different form of assessment on something they did not master.
Image: teachwithouttears.com
Image: teachwithouttears.com
Classroom Management...
Late WorkStudents will complete a page in the late work binder. This binder will keep track of late work and hold students accountable for incomplete work. Students will use time during their morning routine to complete the late work before they are able to move onto other work. Students will have two days to complete the late work. After that amount of time, a note will be attached to the homework for the parents to complete or an email will be sent to them.
PBIS & Class DojoUsing Class Dojo, I am able to manage positive behaviors as well as behaviors that need work. I use Class Dojo with a classroom economy. In the classroom economy, students earn money by completing classroom jobs, keeping their supplies organized, helping other students, being on task, etc. Students can purchase items from the classroom store. Students may lose money if there is late work, supplies are not organized, etc. I incorporate items for purchase and rewards based on the school's PBIS system.
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Yoga/Meditation/MindfulnessMindful Moments, as seen here in the above video, is something I believe is an approach for discipline I want to incorporate into my classroom and hopefully into the entire school itself. When students are aware of their feelings and their inner self, they can recognize problems and learn to control how they react to situations.
Circle TimeAfter Morning work is completed and before we start our academic work, my class will gather for circle time. During circle time, we will discuss highs/lows of our day, use the Appreciation, Apology, Aha! (shown below), and solve problems in our classroom. This strategy will create community in the classroom and be key to a successful year!
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